Writer's Block: Adult Onset
I don't think you can pinpoint an exact age that fits everyone. There are some 16 year olds out there that are incredibly responsible, self sufficient, and need no further parental assistance. They can make decent decisions for themselves (this does NOT mean that sai person doesn't mess up, making bad choices is part of being human, by a decent decision, I mean usually weighing all options before just doing something.)
On the other hand, I know people in their early to mid twenties who can't take care of themselves on their own at all. And I've heard stories (haven't we all?) of 30 year olds who still have to rely on mommy or daddy for everything. They are not adults.
I suppose that what I would consider "being an adult" is that point where you are able to make decisions in a functional way without needing or having to rely on parental or other trusted adults to guie you through everything. That said, obviously part of functional decision making is knowing when and who to go to for help in the case of tough choices (i.e. going to a parent or relative to use them as a sounding board when you're thinking of changing careers is adult. Relying entirely on said persons advice and just doing what they suggest regardless of your feelings on the matter without really thinking about the choice on your own is NOT adult) and also when you are able to live self sufficiently and independently. This does not mean "I have a crappy job, the economy sucks, I'm saving up money, etc so I have a roommate". This means the ability to take care of yourself, to pay your share of bills, etc (in the case of living with others) and to basically not need to be taken care of by older people on a constant basis.
Obviously, for legal reasons, "Adulthood" can't be some nebulous flexible thing. However, in real terms, I believe that it is.
On the other hand, I know people in their early to mid twenties who can't take care of themselves on their own at all. And I've heard stories (haven't we all?) of 30 year olds who still have to rely on mommy or daddy for everything. They are not adults.
I suppose that what I would consider "being an adult" is that point where you are able to make decisions in a functional way without needing or having to rely on parental or other trusted adults to guie you through everything. That said, obviously part of functional decision making is knowing when and who to go to for help in the case of tough choices (i.e. going to a parent or relative to use them as a sounding board when you're thinking of changing careers is adult. Relying entirely on said persons advice and just doing what they suggest regardless of your feelings on the matter without really thinking about the choice on your own is NOT adult) and also when you are able to live self sufficiently and independently. This does not mean "I have a crappy job, the economy sucks, I'm saving up money, etc so I have a roommate". This means the ability to take care of yourself, to pay your share of bills, etc (in the case of living with others) and to basically not need to be taken care of by older people on a constant basis.
Obviously, for legal reasons, "Adulthood" can't be some nebulous flexible thing. However, in real terms, I believe that it is.